Executive Summary

Position

The purpose of this statement is to alert and inform all healthcare providers and consumers about the incidence and significance of Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD) that women experience during and after pregnancy which affect the newborn, the immediate family, and the community. Therefore, providers can offer resources for the identification of presenting signs and symptoms, screening, referrals, and interventions.

Mission

Every woman who becomes pregnant needs the support of her family and community during and after pregnancy to improve birth and family outcomes. The Michigan Statewide PMD Coalition exists to maintain ONE Voice to improve the emotional health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women and their families through education, outreach, advocacy, and support. The goal is to inform providers and community about the significance of PMD and the effect on the mother, the newborn, the family, and the community.

Summary

Women need to be screened for signs and symptoms of PMD so early identification and prompt intervention can be offered. PMD can occur within days to one year after giving birth. Women with a previous history of a mental health condition have an increased risk of developing PMD and should be counseled before conception about their risks. Healthcare professionals including obstetricians, family physicians, pediatricians, nurse midwives, nurses, home visitors and others need education on the risk factors for developing PMD, how to screen for PMD, the need for early intervention, and treatment. Once the woman is identified as having PMD, treatment can begin. PMD is responsive to a variety of different treatment options.

The following recommendations for preventing PMD were developed initially from the Indiana Perinatal Network’s Postpartum Depression Committee and further reviewed and adapted for Michigan by the Michigan Statewide PMD Coalition.§ Facilitate integration of PMD training into the curriculum at health-related professional schools throughout Michigan to ensure that health professionals are competent in the identification of PMD risk factors, interventions, treatments, and resources.

§ Request healthcare providers and hospitals to provide informational PMD materials to patients and their families.

§ Develop a multifaceted approach to promote early identification of women at risk for PMD and the need for prompt intervention and treatment. Develop an ad hoc committee to actively pursue Medicaid coverage of PMD screening in Michigan.

This document reflects the consensus of the Michigan Statewide Perinatal Mood Disorders Coalition. It has been adapted from the Indiana Perinatal Network Advisory Board. This document is intended to serve as a recommendation only-not established standard. Healthcare providers must make the best decisions possible within the limitations of the situation. All are invited to make suggestions for improving this document.